Serving Tray

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a beverage serving tray having a circular shape and a multitude of compartments having flexible linings. The compartments are on a circular base surface and each can receive a beverage glass, container, can, or bottle. The flexible lining surrounds an internal periphery of each compartment and secures the beverage containers therein. A handle is present at the bottom of the tray for easy transporting of the tray with one hand. A cylindrical or sleeve shaped wall extends upward from a periphery of the circular base surface to provide additional protection to the beverage containers. The tray allows users to carry up to eight or more beverages at one time in a secure and comfortable manner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/091,589, which was filed on Oct. 14, 2020and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of serving trays.More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved servingtray for servers, or waiters, featuring integrated cup holders in theform of compartments surrounded with rubber foam lining that preventsthe spillage of beverages when carrying multiple drinks at once. Therubber lining secures the received cup, glass, can, or bottle andprevents same from slippage and falling. A handle is present to carrythe tray in a single hand in a comfortable and secure manner. Theimproved tray reduces the number of trips needed of a server or a waiterfor carrying a large number of beverages. Accordingly, the presentspecification makes specific reference thereto However, it is to beappreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equallyamenable to other similar applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In restaurants, bars, lounges, hotels, reception halls, etc., it isoften necessary to serve many items, such as drinks, at one time. Manytimes the number of drinks needed to serve a table or party is more thancan be comfortably carried in two hands. Various serving trays andplates have been devised which provide a means for holding a beverage ora drink, especially in situations such as cocktail parties where thewaiter, or a server, carries many drinks and makes multiple trips backand forth with multiple beverages. Carrying a heavy and/or unbalancedserving tray in an uncomfortable position while making serveral tripscan lead to hand and wrist injuries and can cause wrist pain due tobending of the wrist that is necessary to carry typical serving traysheretofore known.

Typical serving trays used in restaurants, bars, hotels, and event hallsare either rectangular or rounded. The typical serving trays, or servingplates, may have a slippery top surface and can be particularlydifficult to maneuver around other people and tables in a restaurant orother serving venue. Presently known serving trays have a planar uppersurface, for placing the items such as cups, or glasses thereon, and anunderside which is supported by the waiter, typically using his or herarm and hand in an inverted arrangement. However, these trays areproblematic when used as servers. Waiters carrying multiple drinks atone time have to contend with a slippery top surface. It can beprecarious and difficult to carry multiple drinks without spilling ordropping a glass on one or more customers in a restaurant or otherserving venue. Also, while carrying the serving tray, glasses or cupscan fall and break which leads to loss of revenue, and the falling glasscan spill on one or more customers. Unfortunately, serving trays knownin the prior art do not provide adequate upper support for variouscontainers such as glasses, bottles, or cups sitting atop the tray,making it likely that the container may fall over when the tray is heldin one hand.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improvedserving tray, or serving plate, that can be used by an individual, suchas a server or a waiter in restaurants, bars, lounges, event halls,etc., that allows the server or waiter to carry drinks in a secure andcomfortable manner. Further, there exists a long felt need in the artfor a serving tray, or serving plate, that enables servers and waitersto carry multiple glasses or cups without spilling same on one or morecustomers in a restaurant or other serving venue. Additionally, thereexists a long felt need in the art for a serving tray which enables aperson to carry multiple drinks at one time, thereby preventing a serverfrom having to make multiple unnecessary trips to and from a customer'stable. Finally, there is a long felt need for an improved serving traythat can be easily grabbed by a server with one hand for easy transportand carry, and that is more stable than serving trays heretofore known.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises an improved beverage serving tray designed to carryseveral beverages, for example eight beverages, at one time. The servingtray comprises: a circular base surface; a cylindrical or sleeve-shapedshield fixed around the periphery of the base surface; several (i.e.eight) circular individual holes/compartments extending from the basesurface wherein each hole/compartment includes a rubber foam lining;each rubber foam lining supports and secures a beverageglass/container/bottle placed in the hole/compartment; a handle fixed toan exterior surface of the base surface for easy transport of the traywith one hand. The improved beverage serving tray prevents spillage ofbeverages and maintains glasses, containers, cans, and bottles uprightwhile carrying the tray using a single hand.

In this manner, the improved serving tray featuring integrated cup orglass holders of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoingobjectives, thereby improving a waiter's ability to carry multipledrinks at one time in a secure, comfortable manner without spillage. Useof the improved serving tray enable servers to grab the tray with onehand for easy transport, and reduces the number of trips that serversmake to and from customers.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodimentthereof, comprises an improved beverage serving tray designed to carryup to eight beverages at one time, comprising of a circular basesurface, a circular cylindrical or sleeve-shaped shield fixed around theperiphery of the base surface, eight circular individualholes/compartments on the base surface, wherein each hole/compartmentincludes a rubber foam lining, each rubber foam lining supports andsecures a beverage glass/container/bottle placed in the hole/compartmentand a handle fixed to an exterior surface of the base surface for easilytransporting the tray with one hand. The improved beverage serving trayprevents spillage of beverages and maintains upright glasses,containers, cans or bottles while carrying the tray using a single hand.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a beverage servingtray having multiple compartments to accommodate, for example, eightglasses, containers, cans or bottles is disclosed. The tray comprises: acircular or oval base surface having an interior surface and an exteriorsurface; the interior surface having eight rubber foam-linedcompartments or holes extending from an interior surface to hold up toeight beverage glasses, containers, cans, or bottles; a handle on theexterior surface for grasping and carrying the tray in a stable manner;and a cylinder or sleeve extending upwards from the periphery of thecircular or oval base surface to provide additional support to theaccommodated beverage glasses, containers, cans or bottles. Each rubberlining secures the accommodated beverage in an upright manner andprevents same from slippage.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in another embodimentthereof, comprises an improved serving tray in a form of a cylindricalor sleeve-shaped structure that greatly improves the server's orwaiter's ability to carry multiple drinks at one time in a secure andcomfortable manner. The present invention discloses an improved servingtray that comprises a plurality of rubber-lined openings to receive cupsor glasses integrated therein, and a compartment or handle below themain body which enables a server to grab the tray for easy transport.More specifically, the improved serving tray, in one potentialembodiment, comprises eight individual holes or compartments forbeverages wherein each opening is lined with a rubber foam insert tosecure the cups or glasses retained therein.

The present invention provides an improved cup holder for servers thatprevents the spillage of beverages when carrying multiple drinks at onceand utilizes a cylindrical or sleeve-shaped perimeter with a pluralityof rubber-lined openings to receive cups or glasses. The server orwaiter can carry several drinks at a time in a secure and comfortablemanner without any spillage and breakage. The cup holders also reducethe number of trips a server typically makes while carrying fewer drinksin each trip. The base interior surface inhibits moisture from passingto an exterior surface. The rubber lining of each opening can stretch toaccommodate glasses, containers and bottles of different bottomdiameters.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and areintended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features will become apparent from the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar referencecharacters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of animproved beverage serving tray of the present invention in accordancewith the disclosed architecture, wherein the tray is specificallydesigned to easily carry multiple beverages with a single hand of auser;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of arubber foam lining of the improved beverage serving tray of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment ofthe improved beverage serving tray of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of animproved beverage serving tray of the present invention in accordancewith the disclosed architecture, wherein the tray is specificallydesigned to easily carry eight beverages with a single hand of a user,and further wherein each of the eight beverage holders comprises therubber lining;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodimentof an improved beverage serving tray of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the serving trayfurther comprises a lid with a handle;

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodimentof an improved beverage serving tray of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein a handle ispositioned along the bottom surface of the serving tray; and

FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodimentof an improved beverage serving tray of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the serving tray issupported by a strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form inorder to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments arediscussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are describedonly to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are notintended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limitthe scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment neednot have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in otherembodiments, any of the features described herein from differentembodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improvedserving tray or plate that can be used by an individual, such as aserver or a waiter, in restaurants, bars, lounges, event halls, etc.,which allows the server or waiter to carry drinks in a secure andcomfortable manner. Further, there exists a long felt need in the artfor a serving tray or plate, that enables servers and waiters to carrymultiple glasses or cups without spilling same on one or more customersin a restaurant or other serving venue. Additionally, there exists along felt need in the art for a serving tray which enables a person tocarry multiple drinks at one time, thereby preventing a server fromhaving to make multiple unnecessary trips to and from a customer'stable. Finally, there is a long felt need for an improved serving traythat can be easily grabbed by a server with one hand for easy transportand carry, and that is more stable than serving trays heretofore known.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel beverageserving tray designed to carry up to eight beverages at one time,comprising of a circular base surface, a circular cylindrical orsleeve-shaped shield fixed around the periphery of the base surface,eight circular individual holes/compartments on the base surface whereineach hole/compartment includes a rubber foam lining, each rubber foamlining supports and secures a beverage glass/container/bottle placed inthe hole/compartment, and a handle fixed to an exterior surface of thebase surface for easily transporting the tray with one hand. Theimproved beverage serving tray prevents spillage of beverages andmaintains upright glasses, containers, cans, or bottles while carryingthe tray using a single hand.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of one potential embodiment of an improved beverage serving tray100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture, wherein the tray 100 is specifically designed to easilycarry multiple beverages with a single hand of a user. The improved tray100 of the present invention assists servers in bringing multiple drinksto customers with ease. A user or server can easily carry multipledrinks using the improved tray 100. The tray 100 includes a circular,cylindrical or sleeve-shaped structure 102 having a base surface 126 anda top opening 108. The top opening 108 is used for access to placedrinks and glasses into a plurality of individual compartments, holes oropenings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 on the base surface 126.The base surface 126 is circular in shape, including eight, for example,rubber lined symmetrical openings to receive cups or glasses forenabling the user to securely carry multiple drinks at the same timewithout any spillage.

The openings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 can be generallycircular in shape. Each of the openings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120,122, 124 can include a respective retention mechanism or rubber lining111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 and can be placed symmetricallyon the interior side of the base surface 126. The plurality of retentionmechanisms 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 include generallycircular elastic linings surrounding an internal circumference of eachof the plurality of individual compartments 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120,122, 124. Each opening 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 andassociated lining 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 is arranged tosurround an individual beverage container. The holes 110,112, 114, 116,118, 120, 122, 124 and the rubber linings 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121,123, 125 are arranged on the base surface 126 such that they areequidistant to each other and thus the glasses or beverage containersplaced within each rubber lining opening do not touch each other, andremain safe from breakage and spillage. The rubber linings 111, 113,115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 provide a secure grip on the glasses orbeverage containers placed therein such that the glasses or containersremain vertical and do spill over while the tray 100 is being carried bya user.

A sturdy handle 104 is permanently attached to the exterior surface orlower side of the base surface 126, and is arranged in an ergonomic andcomfortable grip to carry the tray 100 by a single hand 106. A user 106can hold the handle 104 affixed to the tray and can easily carry thetray 100 in an upright manner when holding the containers or glasses,and subsequently in any orientation when the tray 100 is empty. Usingthe tray 100, a user such as server in a bar or a restaurant can carryeight drinks, for example, placed securely in eight rubber linedopenings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 in a single trip, withoutany breakage and spillage, thereby reducing the number of trips theserver has to make while serving customers.

The cylindrical or sleeve-shaped shielding 102 extending upwards fromthe periphery of the base surface 126 provides an additional layer ofsafety for large bottles or containers and does not allow the bottles orcontainers to fall on the ground from the tray 100. In one embodiment,the diameter of the base surface 126 is 18″ and the height of thecylindrical or sleeved shielding 102 is 9″. Alternatively, the diameterof the base surface 126 can be 24″ and the height of the cylindrical orsleeved shielding 102 can be 6″. At 6 inches, the shield height isgenerally about 100% of the height of a typical pint glass (i.e. 6inches) and about 66% of the height of a typical beer bottle (i.e. 9inches). The sleeve shield 102 acts as a side wall for the drinks beingcarried on the tray 100 and forms a continuous perimeter wall forretention of same.

The handle 104 is sturdy and can be joined to the base at two points.The handle 104 is permanently attached to the base of the tray 100. Thetray 100 may be made up of wood, metal or heavy plastic with thecylindrical sleeve 102 being transparent or translucent to enable theserver to maintain visual contact with the beverages mounted in theopenings 110,112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124.

The tray 100 can be made of durable material to withstand dropping onthe ground. The circular shape of the tray 100 allows a stable anduniform distribution of the weight of the drinks within the tray 100.The openings 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124 are on the basesurface 126. In one potential embodiment, each opening may be in theform a small cut-out within the base surface 126. Alternatively, eachopening may be formed on the base surface without a groove in the basesurface 126. Each opening can be lined with a rubber foam insert tosecure a cup or glass placed in the opening.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of arubber foam lining 111 of the improved beverage serving tray 100 of thepresent invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. Asshown, the rubber foam lining 111 includes a generally circular rubberlining having an exterior surface 202, an interior surface 208 and abottom periphery 204. The bottom periphery 204 may have an adhesive toattach the rubber lining 111 to the base surface 126 of the tray 100 ofthe present invention. The interior surface 208 secures a beveragecontainer in a vertical direction and does not allow the beveragecontainer to tilt or spill while carrying the tray 100. The height ofthe rubber foam lining 111 can be generally about 1 inch to about 3inches in one potential embodiment. At 3 inches, the linings aregenerally about 50% of the height of a typical pint glass (i.e. 6inches) and about 33% of the height of a typical beer bottle (i.e. 9inches). It should be noted that the height and the diameter of therubber foam lining 111 can depend on the diameter of the base surface ofthe tray in which the rubber foam linings 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121,123, 125 are placed and the size of the beverage containers to becontained in the individual compartments.

The rubber foam lining 111 also absorbs the water or moisture from thebeverage containers. The rubber foam lining 111 can be of any color, andretains the circular shape even after multiple uses. The rubber lining111 is a material similar to a sponge or expanded rubber and can be madeof synthetic rubber, natural latex, or polyurethane, and is flexible andstretchable to accommodate beverage containers of various diameters. Therubber lining 111 can surround the respective opening 110 extending fromthe base surface 126.

As best shown in FIG. 2, in a further embodiment of the presentinvention, each of the rubber foam linings 111 may also comprise aheating and/or cooling element 210 for heating or cooling the beverageas it is being stored or transported in the lining 111 of the improvedtray 100. The heating and/or cooling element 210 may be powered by abattery 212 that is also present on the ring 111 or the improved tray100 itself. The battery 212 may be a disposable battery or arechargeable battery.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment ofthe improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, in apreferred embodiment, the tray 100 comprises eight rubber lined openings110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, each of which is generallycircular in shape, and similar in diameter. The openings 110, 112, 114,116, 118, 120, 122, 124 are preferably placed along the periphery of thesleeve 102 in a spaced-apart fashion. The sleeve 102 protects thebeverage containers from falling off of the tray 100 and enables aserver to view the beverage containers as the sleeve 102 includestransparent or translucent material. In one embodiment, the sleeve 102can include a logo, trademark or design for aesthetic appeal and alsofor marketing and branding.

As stated earlier, each opening 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 124is surrounded by a rubber lining 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125that can comprise a hole or a groove cut in the base surface 126.Alternatively, the holes or grooves can be formed only by the rubberlinings 111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 on the base surface 126.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of animproved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the tray 100 isspecifically designed to easily carry eight beverages with a single handof a user and further wherein each of the eight beverage holderscomprises the rubber lining. More specifically, each rubber foam lining111, 113, 115, 117, 119, 121, 123, 125 surrounded hole or compartmentreceives and supports a beverage container. As shown, the rubber lining111 supports glass 401, rubber lining 113 supports glass 402, rubberlining 115 supports glass 403, rubber lining 117 supports glass 404,rubber lining 119 supports glass 405, rubber lining 121 supports glass406, rubber lining 123 supports glass 407 and rubber lining 125 supportsglass 408. Each glass remains upright and does not tilt even when thetray 100 is tilted slightly when held by a user 106 through the handle104.

The tray 100 with the innovative rubber lining-surrounded holes preventsthe spillage of beverages when carrying multiple drinks at once by aserver by grabbing the tray handle 104 with his or her hand for easytransport. It should be appreciated that different types of beveragebottles, glasses and containers can be accommodated easily within therubber lining-surrounded holes. The tray 100 allows users to carrymultiple beverage, for example eight beverages, at one time in a secureand comfortable manner.

To fit different container shapes, the rubber linings may be ofdifferent configurations, such as rectangular or square. To accommodatedifferent heights of the beverage bottles, the rubber linings may havedifferent heights. The diameter and dimensions of the rubber linings maybe similar or different, however symmetrical spacing of the openingsprohibits beverage containers from touching each other.

The handle 104 can be made up of a metal, stainless steel, wood or anyother similar material and can include a comfortable grip. Thecylindrical or sleeve shield 102 may be permanently or removablyattached to the periphery of the base surface. In one alternativeembodiment, there can be a slot around the periphery of the base surface126 (not illustrated) to receive the sleeve shield 102.

The tray 100 of the present invention is capable of a low cost ofmanufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and whichaccordingly is then susceptible to low prices of sale to the consumingpublic, thereby making such tray economically available to the buyingpublic. It should be appreciated that the number of compartments may bemore or less than eight to fit different user requirements andmanufacturing requirements. Silicone lining may be used instead of therubber foam lining. As best shown in FIG. 4, the tray 100 may furthercomprise an LED light strip 410 mounted along the periphery of the base126 for increasing aesthetic appeal. The LED light strip 410 may also bepowered by the battery 212.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodimentof an improved beverage serving tray 100 of the present invention inaccordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the serving tray 100further comprises a lid 500 with a handle 502. More specifically, thelid 500 may be comprised of an opaque, transparent or translucentmaterial, and may removably attached to the serving tray 100 by anymeans commonly known in the art, such as an interference fit. The handle502 is preferably positioned on a top surface of the lid 500 oppositethe serving tray 100 as best shown in FIG. 5A. However, the serving tray100 of the present invention is not so limited, and the handle 502 mayalso be positioned elsewhere along the lid 502 for convenient handlingby the user. FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of another potentialembodiment of an improved beverage serving tray 100 of the presentinvention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein ahandle 104 is positioned along the bottom surface of the serving tray100. In yet another potential embodiment, the tray portion may rotateabout the handle portion so that it is easier to service beverages andfood items from said serving tray 100. FIG. 5C illustrates a perspectiveview of another potential embodiment of an improved beverage servingtray 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosedarchitecture, wherein the serving tray 100 is supported by a strap 503.The strap 503 may be removably attached to two ends of the tray andsupported by a user, such as the user's neck and shoulders.

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claimsto refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the artwill appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature orcomponent by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components or features that differ in name but notstructure or function. As used herein “improved beverage serving tray”,“improved tray”, “octotray”, “serving tray”, and “tray” areinterchangeable and refer to the improved beverage serving tray 100 ofthe present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the improved beverage serving tray 100 ofthe present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration asis known in the art without affecting the overall concept of theinvention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives.One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size,configuration and material of the improved beverage serving tray 100 asshown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that manyother sizes and shapes of the improved beverage serving tray 100 arewell within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensionsof the improved beverage serving tray 100 are important designparameters for user convenience, the improved beverage serving tray 100may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/orthat suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplaryembodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. While the embodiments described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments havingdifferent combinations of features and embodiments that do not includeall of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications,and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with allequivalents thereof.

What includes been described above includes examples of the claimedsubject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in theart may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of theclaimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subjectmatter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications andvariations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in eitherthe detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to beinclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising”is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carrying device configured to provide uprightcarrying of multiple retained contents, the carrying device comprising:a tray including a base having a plurality of generally circularindividual compartments, wherein said base includes a plurality ofretention mechanisms for retaining contents in each said plurality ofindividual compartments; a shield for surrounding a periphery of saidbase, wherein said shield prohibits contents from falling off said base;said plurality of retention mechanisms include generally circularelastic linings surrounding an internal circumference of each of saidplurality of individual compartments; and said tray including a handlemounted to a bottom surface of said base, wherein said handle used forupright movement of said tray while carrying multiple beveragecontainers.
 2. The carrying device of claim 1, wherein said elasticlinings comprise material selected from a group consisting of a rubber,a silicone, and a foam.
 3. The carrying device of claim 2, wherein theretained contents are a plurality of beverage containers and each of theplurality of beverage containers comprise a beverage container height,and further wherein said elastic lining includes a height that isgenerally about 20% to about 50% of said beverage container height. 4.The carrying device of claim 3, wherein said height of said elasticlining is generally about 20% to about 33% of said beverage containerheight.
 5. The carrying device of claim 2, wherein said plurality ofgenerally circular individual compartments are positioned generallyaround a periphery of said base.
 6. The carrying device of claim 5,wherein said plurality of generally circular individual compartmentscomprise eight compartments.
 7. The carrying device of claim 6, whereineach of said plurality of generally circular compartments are spacedfrom each other said plurality of generally circular compartments. 8.The carrying device of claim 7, wherein said shield is transparent ortranslucent.
 9. The carrying device of claim 1 further comprising abattery, a heating/cooling element, a lid and a LED light.
 10. Thecarrying device of claim 2, wherein the retained contents includebeverage containers and the beverage containers include a height; saidshield includes a height; and said height of said shield generally about66% to about 100% of said height of the beverage containers.
 11. Acarrying device configured to provide upright carrying of multipleretained contents, the carrying device comprising: a tray including abase having a plurality of generally circular individual compartments,wherein said base includes a plurality of retention mechanisms forretaining contents in each said plurality of individual compartments; ashield for surrounding a periphery of said base, wherein said shieldprohibits contents from falling off said base; wherein the retainedcontents include beverage containers and the beverage containers includea height; said elastic lining includes a height; said height of saidelastic lining generally about 20% to about 50% of said height of thebeverage containers; said shield includes a height; and said height ofsaid shield generally about 66% to about 100% of said height of thebeverage containers.
 12. The carrying device of claim 11, wherein saidplurality of retention mechanisms include generally circular elasticlinings surrounding an internal circumference of each of said pluralityof individual compartments; and said elastic linings comprise materialselected from a group consisting of rubber, silicone, and foam.
 13. Thecarrying device of claim 12, wherein said tray including a handlemounted to a bottom surface of said base; and said handle used forupright movement of said tray while carrying multiple beveragecontainers.
 14. The carrying device of claim 13, wherein said height ofsaid elastic lining generally about 20% to about 33% of said height ofthe beverage containers.
 15. The carrying device of claim 14, whereinsaid plurality of generally circular individual compartments arepositioned generally around a periphery of said base.
 16. The carryingdevice of claim 15, wherein said plurality of generally circularindividual compartments comprise eight compartments.
 17. The carryingdevice of claim 16, wherein each of said plurality of generally circularcompartments are spaced from each other said plurality of generallycircular compartments.
 18. The carrying device of claim 17, wherein saidshield is transparent.
 19. The carrying device of claim 17, wherein saidshield is translucent.
 20. A carrying device configured to provideupright carrying of multiple retained contents, the carrying devicecomprising: a tray including a base having a plurality of generallycircular individual compartments, wherein said base includes a pluralityof retention mechanisms for retaining contents in each said plurality ofindividual compartments; a shield for surrounding a periphery of saidbase, wherein said shield prohibits contents from falling off said base;a battery; at least one LED light powered by the battery; a heating orcooling element powered by the battery; wherein the retained contentsinclude beverage containers and the beverage containers include aheight; said elastic lining includes a height; said height of saidelastic lining generally about 20% to about 50% of said height of thebeverage containers; said shield includes a height; a lid having ahandle; and said height of said shield generally about 66% to about 100%of said height of the beverage containers.